Posted Thursday, January 17, 2013 --- 11:14 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican state Senate President Mike Ellis says he will oppose any expansion of school vouchers in Wisconsin unless local residents are first required to vote on such a move.

Ellis told The Associated Press on Thursday that he has made it known that he will block any expansion of the program without that element. Such a requirement is sure to generate opposition from supporters of expanding vouchers beyond Milwaukee and Racine

Gov. Scott Walker has said he wants to expand the program, but he has not said whether he would include the local vote requirement.

Ellis says he will introduce a bill requiring a petition to be circulated in the local school district to allow vouchers. If enough signatures are gathered, a vote would be scheduled.

Copyright 2013: Associated Press